MU Extension Winter Fire School trains emergency responders from across the state

COLUMBIA, Mo.— More than 1,300 firefighters, emergency medical personnel and other emergency responders from across Missouri and six other states will attend the 33rd annual Winter Fire School and Equipment Exposition, Feb. 7-9 in Columbia. The event is sponsored by University of Missouri Extension’s Fire and Rescue Training Institute (MU FRTI).

A fire and EMS equipment exposition will run from noon to 9 p.m., Feb. 7, at the Holiday Inn Executive Center. Workshops and courses will be conducted Feb. 8-9 on the MU campus.

“The FRTI training team offers more than 100 classes mirroring the services that firefighters and other emergency personnel provide on a daily basis,” says Dave Hedrick, FRTI director.

Topics of special interest include creating and inspiring exceptional fire department leaders; reading smoke; escaping violent encounters; hazardous materials; advanced life support for the EMT; and hoarder homes.

MU FRTI provides comprehensive continuing professional education training to fire service and emergency response personnel. Last year more than 17,000 fire and emergency service first responders received training from the institute, which has a cadre of more than 200 adjunct instructors.